Wines
Dijon Clones Carneros / Napa Valley,
Pine Ridge was one of the first wineries to pair French Dijon clones with the cool Carneros terroir. Our estate vineyards in this fog-shrouded region enjoy a long growing season, allowing the development of intense tropical fruit and citrus flavors. The result is a California Chardonnay that is stylistically original, a perfect marriage of both French and California winemaking techniques.
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Vineyards
Overcast mornings and cool afternoon breezes contribute to a slow and even rate of maturity of the fruit, leading to an optimal balance of sugar and acid, and an outstanding intensity of fruit flavors. Closely planted to 3.5’x 6’ spacing with devigorating rootstock, our Carneros estate vineyards feature Dijon Chardonnay clones 76, 95 and 96.
Harvest & Winemaking
The 2010 vintage was cooler than usual during the growing season, but ended with a heat wave. As a result, ourChardonnay was harvested at an optimal level of ripeness in mid-October. The fruit was hand-harvested at night and quickly sorted and pressed. The wine was fermented in 40% new French oak barrels, aged for six months sur lie, and stirred occasionally to promote complexity. In order to preserve bright acidity and citrus notes, malolactic fermentation
was not allowed to occur.
Tasting Notes
Golden and luminous, this vintage of our Dijon Clones Chardonnay enchants the nose with an array of ripe lemon, fresh kadota fig and candied pear fruit, swirling with wisps of caramel, English toffee and cinnamon bark. The entry is smooth and supple, filled with delectable pomelo, juicy apricot and Granny Smith apple pie flavors, meshed gorgeously with touches of vanilla bean, lemon cream and sweet toasty oak through the long, crisp finish.
Food Pairing
Delightfully well-rounded, this beautiful Chardonnay would partner perfectly with a seafood dish, such as a gratin of mussels or spicy calamari and chickpea salad, although it is versatile enough to also pair alongside poultry or vegetarian dishes as well. This wine is also well-suited to match Bûcheron, a French goats’s milk cheese.
